Several Nigerian survivors of human trafficking have narrated their traumatic experiences after being lured to Côte d’Ivoire with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be forced into prostitution, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.
The victims, identified as Monica, 17; Juliet, 18; Rejoice, 25; Joy, 22; and Monica Tamah, 38, said traffickers preyed on their hopes of securing better livelihoods abroad before subjecting them to inhumane conditions.
Their rescue was announced by the Founder of the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation, Prosper Michael, who disclosed that the victims were freed during a joint operation involving the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and security authorities in Côte d’Ivoire.
One of the survivors, Monica, said she accepted what she believed was a bakery job offer in Abuja before being transported through Lagos to Côte d’Ivoire.
She explained that she informed her parents before embarking on the journey because she believed the offer was genuine, but discovered upon arrival that there was no employment waiting for them.
According to her, the victims were confined and instructed to assure family members they were safe whenever they were allowed to make phone calls.
She alleged that whenever she became emotional while speaking with her mother, her handlers immediately seized the phone, while money earned from their labour was routinely deducted without explanation.
Monica said she eventually escaped alongside another victim with the assistance of sympathetic residents, after which they contacted GAHTO for help.
Another survivor, Monica Tamah, said she travelled to Côte d’Ivoire hoping to earn enough money to support her family and fund her daughter’s education but was instead forced into prostitution.
She alleged that traffickers informed the victims they had to repay transportation expenses through sex work after arriving in the country.
According to her, she remained in captivity for about six months and was allegedly compelled to attend to numerous clients daily, while her captors retained virtually all the proceeds.
GAHTO also disclosed that three additional trafficking victims from Benue State were rescued in a separate operation carried out by its representative in Côte d’Ivoire with support from local authorities.
The organisation described the operations as a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking across West Africa and protect vulnerable Nigerians from transnational criminal networks.
It urged Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad to verify employment and migration offers through appropriate government channels, remain cautious of suspicious recruiters and promptly report suspected trafficking cases to security agencies.
The organisation also called for stronger collaboration among governments, law enforcement agencies and international partners to dismantle trafficking syndicates, rescue victims and ensure those responsible face justice.
